The article by Jerome Taylor came out of his research into a less reported side of Evangelicalism which is growing in both numbers and confidence. Although still a minority, this more open approach to sexuality is both Biblically rigorous and genuinely evangelical.
In recent years, more and more evangelicals have been growing sceptical about traditional evangelical teaching on sexuality. For example, in 2011, in research by Evangelical Alliance, over a quarter of evangelical Christians questioned at major evangelical festivals and conferences declined to agree with the statement "Homosexual actions are always wrong." Interest in groups like Accepting Evangelicals is also growing - attracting over 30,000 hits per month on its website last year.
But most encouraging is the fact that we are starting to see evangelical churches and fellowships who are welcoming LGB&T Christians as they are, with their partners, and celebrating with them. At the moment the numbers are small, and they tend to keep fairly quiet about their change of heart, but the change is beginning.
The real breakthrough will come when those churches gain the confidence to speak out publicly about their open and welcoming ministry. Then the tide will really begin to change, and LGB&T Christians across the country will be able to rejoice in finding a spiritual home where their faith is nurtured and their gifts are welcomed.
In the meantime, I am encouraged by the article in the Independent (apart from the dodgy guy in the photo) and I hope you will be too!
